Report: Badgers 2025/26 vs Horncastle 2s – February 08, 2026

Spalding Badgers development team travelled to Horncastle for their latest game for a match that would test the side to see how far they have progressed. Facing an experienced Horncastle side that had nine seniors against Spalding’s two or three depending on substitutions, the travelling side put in a magnificent display to give their hosts a really good game.

Despite the 4-2 scoreline against Spalding, it was a well-balanced game with Spalding playing some wonderful passing hockey against a good side that would give the Spalding senior teams a test. Horncastle’s experience showed throughout but the youngsters, particularly those in their first season of 11-a-side, clearly grew in confidence during the game showing that if you play the passing game, you can create chances regardless of the standard of side you are facing.

Spalding went into the break two goals down with well worked goals going against the team with the greater experience from the home side showing in those attacking movements. However, the standard of play was particularly good from the visitors, and the second half was even more of an improvement as they drew that half and could have easily won the second period.

The swift accurate passing of the Badgers was superb with a minimal focus on dribbling around opponents and it worked. Fred reduced the arrears with a precise strike after clever work from Ethan, Sam & Dylan. And Spalding were inches away from parity after a superb though ball from Phoenix saw Andy break clean through the Horncastle defence. His square pass found Tim whose first time shot saw the ball whistle agonisingly past the right hand upright with the goalkeeper in no-man’s land.

Horncastle scored the next goal of the game, and it was harsh on the side who had really got themselves into the game and were giving their far older hosts one heck of a game. Ross made a stunning one on one save to deny the Horncastle forward, but the ball could not have rolled kindlier, and the second attempt found the back of the goal.

Spalding’s response let’s attack again and they did that and well. After yet more fluid hockey, Dylan’s shot was deflected home by Andy to reduce the arrears again. Isaac and Alex were linking up well on the right flank and a good chunk of Spalding’s threat came down that side. Ethan was inches away from scoring his second of the season as the ball was nipped away from him in the last possible moment. Isaac also had a shot well saved by the home goalkeeper with Phoenix’s skill causing all sort of problems for the home defence.

Defensively, Spalding were excellent with full backs Stan & Jacob coping brilliantly with far older opponents with great marking, passing and defensive pressure that caused their attackers to make mistakes. Alistair in the centre of defence showed his experience and mopped up threats galore.

As Spalding pressed forward trying to find an equaliser, Horncastle broke forward and scored another good goal to make the final scoreline 4-2.

Spalding can take a lot of plaudits though for the way they played. The play was patient when it needed to be, the passing was excellent, the channels were used well, everyone worked hard for each other and for the team, and the game was played in a positive spirit. So, despite the scoreline, it was an exceptionally good day at the office for the development team and everyone on the team should be happy on the way they played.

Huge thanks go to Horncastle for hosting and for their fantastic sportsmanship through the game.